18+ Best Vegan Restaurants in Austin + More

I had heard the rumblings that Austin is a vegan oasis nestled in the land of BBQ, ten-gallon hats, and cattle ranching, but I was always a little skeptical. How could the capital of such a conservative, gun-toting state also have a love affair with soy chorizo? Could it be possible?

After a recent visit, I can confirm what seems impossible is possible. I think that quirky contradiction is what makes Austin, Austin, or as locals like to remind visitors, keeps it weird. 

Austin draws a diverse and eclectic crowd — musicians, hippies, hipsters, tech gurus, cowboys — and somehow, it works. It’s why you’ll find a parking lot of vegan food trucks buzzing with long lines, honky tonk line dancing lessons, and LGBTQIA+ clubs all saddled within the city limits. This diverging mix of cultures is what sets Austin apart.

If you’ve been pushing Austin down your must-visit list, I think you’ll be buying a plane ticket once you see this amazing lineup of vegan restaurants in Austin!

This vegan fine-dining restaurant is a recent addition to the plant-based scene. It has set out to show diners that vegan cuisine isn’t all burgers and pizza! Their menu will celebrate the seasons and the diversity of plants.

If you love mac-n-cheese and are gluten-free, this comfort spot has your name all over it! They don’t stop with traditional creamy mac; you’ll find spicy mac-n-cheese, brussels mac-n-cheese, and more! On the weekend, don’t miss their brunch specials.

This little bakery is punk rock meets decadent gluten-free sweets! Everything in the shop is vegan and gluten-free and includes veganized retro favorites like Cream Coffins (Twinkies) to an enormous selection flavor selection of cupcakes. 

This bright pink, Black-owned vegan creamery will delight you before you even lay eyes on their stellar lineup. All their house-made ice creams are made with coconut milk and avocados to make them exceptionally creamy! The flavors rotate, but if you’re lucky, you might get to sample lavender and blackberry jam, caramel rosemary, or Kenyan chai.

Right around the corner from Luv Fats, you’ll find this purrfect vegan bakery and coffee shop! It’s the best place to pair a flaky croissant or soft kitty sugar cookie with a hot cup of coffee or sweet Horchata. 

This vegan bakery specializes in the most creative cinnamon bun creations covered in marshmallows, cookie dough, peanut butter frosting, or traditional cream cheese. They also have brownies, cookies, and scoops of cookie dough in case the buns aren’t your thing.

There is no better place to go when you need a caffeine fix than this woman-owned vegan coffee shop! While they have plenty of caffeinated drinks to get you going, you won’t want to miss their lineup of locally made vegan treats, from plump pop tarts to peanut butter cups. 

I didn’t think I would find any vegan food, let alone these fantastic options! So, if you forgot your airport snack, no worries — the airport has everything from salad to ice cream to delight vegan travelers. One note: all of these options are in the Barbara Jordan terminal; the South terminal has one taco shop, De Nada, which has a couple of options that can be made vegan.

Mad Greens

This vegan-friendly salad shop offers some salads that can be made vegan or create your own. 

Juice Land

Get your smoothie fix here! Juice Land has everything from chocolate smoothies with animal-free whey to berry-filled smoothie bowls to fuel your travel day. Their menu is almost 100% vegan; some items have honey. 

Amy’s Ice Cream Creations

You’ll always find at least one vegan ice cream flavor at this popular Austin chain! In addition to ice cream, they also have a small selection of smoothies. 

Is Austin Vegan-Friendly?

Heck, yes, Austin is amazingly vegan-friendly! The capital of Texas is home to around 50 vegan and vegetarian restaurants and bakeries — including the city’s iconic vegan cheese shop, Rebel Cheese (you probably didn’t think you’d find that in Texas)!

In addition to the vegan and vegetarian spots, many restaurants also have vegan options. If restaurant jumping wasn’t enough to fill your food cravings, Austin is also the home of the original Whole Foods. You’ll find the massive flagship motherland right in the heart of downtown Austin. Of course, you’ll find all the usual grocery needs, but it’s also home to a vast prepared foods section, a vegan burger joint, a smoothie shop, and a wine bar (yep, you can sip sauvignon blanc and shop).

Sip vegan wines at The Austin Winery 

I was surprised when I found a winery in Austin but even more surprised when I learned that Texas is the fourth-largest wine-producing state in the US! This hip winery is led by a team of self-taught winos that have set out to make natural, low-intervention wines that are vegan and accessible to all Austinites. The best way to experience their wine lineup is with a tasting — if you like light and fruity (but not super sweet), don’t skip the Red-Nat. 

Aside from sipping sweet wines, there is one more bonus to visiting this spot — Lil Nonna’s vegan pizza truck is right around the corner. You can take your glass of wine, pizza pie, and sit on the picnic tables outside!

Enjoy a Central Texas-inspired five-course vegan dinner with Loam Supper Club

If you can time your itinerary just right, you’re not going to want to miss these creative vegan dinner events. The plant-powered chef-curated menus feature local and seasonal ingredients with favorites like chickpea socca with lemon garlic confit aioli, romesco, charred scallions, and micro greens. Wine and drink pairings are also available. Currently, the dinners are offered every other Saturday; make sure you check their website for updates!

Check out Whole Foods

You might be wondering, is she really suggesting going to the grocery store? I promise I haven’t lost my mind; this Whole Foods is unique! It’s the very first location, and it’s a natural foods mega mall! There are multiple levels (there is also a free parking garage, so park there if you’re exploring downtown) that include a Next Level Burger, Juice Land, beer and wine bar, and a massive prepared foods section. It’s a great place to grab a snack before wandering around downtown.   

Explore all of Austin’s green spaces 

Austin is well known for its love of all things green (not just food)! Whether you’re looking for a park to wander in the city or want to go for a hike, you have options! A few places to check out include:

Zilker Park

This is one of Austin’s most popular parks. Its 351 acres are home to a natural spring-fed swimming pool, sculpture garden, botanical garden, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival. 

Lady Bird Lake

Named after the late Lady Bird Johson for her efforts to green Austin, this park is in downtown Austin and features a 10-mile trail. Aside from hiking or biking, this is a great spot to kayak or stand-up paddle board. 

Mount Bonnell

Located in Covert Park, it is the highest point in Austin, offering terrific city views! To get to the top, there are over 100 stairs you have to climb, but it’s worth it, if you’re able.

If you’re planning other adventures, don’t miss our other travel guides and tasty articles — we’ve done all the hard work for you. All you have to do is eat and have fun!

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